THE cattle market consolidated on slightly smaller volume of supply compared to two weeks ago as selling returned to normal after the long weekend.
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With numbers back by about one per cent and quality reflecting the colder weather, the market shifted sideways with the exception of quality trade young cattle that were a bid or two firmer.
The eastern young cattle indicator (EYCI) closed the week Tuesday at 350.25c/kg. This was up a half-of-one per cent and one cent higher than a fortnight ago.
The benchmark indicator was nudged that little bit higher by a slightly stronger feeder value as opposing moves by the trade and medium steer components negated one another.
At Wodonga Tuesday supply fell considerably to 1400 and included an increased proportion suited for the feeders and restockers despite a useful selection of supplementary fed cattle.
The independent reporter said sales to the trade averaged unchanged at 169-196 cents a kilogram liveweight for steers while light trade heifers were 6c/kg dearer, making 173- 189c/kg lwt as buyers angled to capture the fed portion.
Heavy heifers averaged cheaper despite a top of 190c/kg lwt, while best sales of milk vealers found a market top of 220c/kg lwt.
The grown cattle supply at the border market met an easier demand to average unchanged to 3c/kg lower.
Heavy bullocks made 170-190c/kg lwt, averaged 182 while heavy steers made from 173c to top at 194c/kg lwt.
At Pakenham numbers rallied for its Monday trade sale after its closed market last week. Accepting 1654 head, plenty of plain conditioned cattle early in the sale met steady demand between 165-200c/kg lwt, while grass-fed steers and heifers to the trade made 168-193c/kg lwt throughout the morning.
A limited selection of fed cattle also met an eager market bringing forth a top of 225c/kg lwt while most others made 185-205c/kg lwt.
The NLRS said the vealer supply offered a reasonable selection with the trade and restockers keen to participate.
Prices varied from 168-200c/kg lwt while most B-muscled lots made 200c, topping at 228c/kg lwt.
A small penning of grown cattle saw bullocks and heavy steers sold from 170-196c/kg lwt.
A pen of 700kg bullocks cleared at 193c/kg lwt while 80 head of grown steers and bullocks in the Tuesday export market achieved unchanged prices making 185-193c/kg.
The cow supply meanwhile was unable to maintain its numbers at the levels of two weeks ago. However processors were held firm resulting in very limited price movement.
* Full report, Stock & Land, June 24.
